Squatter protests demolition

JAKARTA (JP): A squatter in Pluit, North Jakarta, set fire to the remains of his just-demolished house yesterday to protest his eviction action by local authorities.

The unidentified man said yesterday that he was disgusted by the demolition of 65 houses, including his, built along the riverbank on Jl. Jembatan Tiga.

Antara reported that the local fire department deployed four fire engines to tame the fire.

The local authorities, led by Heriyanto, the head of the public works office, yesterday tore down the shanties of some 200 squatters to anticipate the coming flood season.

"None of the buildings have permits. They were standing in restricted zones," Heriyanto said.

Meanwhile, North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito told his subordinates to be on flood alert. The mayoralty has prepared 46 rubber boats, 18 life vests, six motorboats, 16 tents, 1,500 bags of sand, seven suction pumps and three generator sets for the rainy season. (sur)